I write novels in a small town setting. I like to share ideas about writing, give classes, and attend critiques.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

FINAL INTERVIEW

I hope you enjoy this short story.

FINAL INTERVIEW

Joyce
Brennan

Her
hands shook slightly and she clasped them together. I sat across the table from
her and introduced myself.

“I
don’t usually give interviews,” she said, “but I’ll make an exception because
this is such a special day.”

Dressed
in white, she began to fuss with her hair while attendants watched her every
move. I couldn’t help but admire her natural beauty.

“I
appreciate your time,” I said. “I guess my first question, how did you reach
this point in your life?”

“I
can sum it up in two words…true love.”

“But there had been many obstacles.”

“That
made it all the more exhilarating. We had overcome all odds.”

“We?
You’re referring to you and Ted. How did you become attracted to Mr. Mason?”

“That
should be obvious. Ted’s exciting and extremely handsome.”

I
understood the attraction. Ted Mason’s face had graced the front pages of all
the newspapers. Women from throughout the world were swooning over him.

“How
did you cope with the letters he received from his fans?” I asked.

She
waved her hand in the air. “I knew he was completely dedicated to me…to us.”

“Tell
me how you met?”

“It
was fate.” A blush crossed her pale face as she evaded my question. I tried
another approach.

“Have
you always lived in Texas?”

“No.
Ted and I came here to get married.”

“Why Texas?”

“You
know. The wild, wild West. It seemed appropriate. We had an amazing affair.”

I
checked my notes. “Wasn’t Ted already married?”

“That
happened years ago. We were completely devoted to each other.”

“Tell
me, Gilda, did you have long term goals?”

A
high giggle filled the room. “Ted and I lived for the moment. That’s more
exciting.”

“Do
you want to talk about Sylvia Tanner?

Her
face paled briefly, but she quickly recovered. “I don’t think that’s
appropriate. How do I look?”

“Fantastic.”
I wasn’t lying. With her clear skin, light complexion and delicate features,
she reminded me of Dresden china.

Our
conversation was interrupted. “The priest is here. You’ll have to leave.”

Gilda
smiled brightly. “You’ve been so kind. Now I must meet my intended. For better
or worse, richer or poorer, till death…well you know.”

I
knew.

I
paced the floor until the designated time. I stood behind the curtains and when
the lights dimmed, I cringed. Gilda Bennett joined her beloved by lethal
injection. Sylvia Tanner became their final victim. Ted Mason had been executed
six month before. The serial killers, now joined in death, were no longer a
threat.

Love this story and the knockout punch at the end. I never saw that coming. The pacing is a perfect lead-in to your ending, and even though it's a short piece, we still get to know a great deal about your character. Brava!